Mark Hunter helps local theatre celebrate eighth season

2.16.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th May 2008

Heald Green Theatre Company Celebrate 8th season in new theatre

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter this week was a special guest at an Open Day for the Heald Green Theatre Company. The event celebrated the theatre's eighth season of plays in their new theatre off Motcombe Grove, Styal Road.

The Heald Green Theatre Company was formed in 1962 and had its first permanent homes in a converted chapel in the grounds of Cheadle Royal Hospital, but had to move to a former squash club in Gatley Gold Club. Since relocating the site has undergone major building work to turn the squash courts into a theatre - with theatre company members themselves often giving a helping hand to the professional builders.

During the event the local MP watched as the three different age groups of the company performed for and with the crowd. The young members of 'The Academy' and the teenagers of 'The Next Generation' gave a workshop to demonstrate the skills they learn in weekly meetings, while the adult members of the company held play-reading sessions encouraging members of the public not only to listen but to get involved.

Mr Hunter also had the opportunity to inspect the very well equipped sound and lighting box, as well as the props and wardrobe area.

Speaking at the open day Mr Hunter said: "It is fantastic to see all different age groups from the community coming together to work on and in this wonderful new theatre. The facilities themselves are very impressive, and the quality of the theatre is obviously the result of much love and dedicated work by the members of this company. Heald Green is rightly very proud of this facility which allows young and old the opportunity of coming together to produce theatrical work that gives pleasure to the whole community.

I am really impressed to see the talent, enthusiasm, and dedication displayed by all three of the age groups involved in the Heald Green Theatre Company. The programme for the coming year is very exciting and I will certainly be booking my ticket to see one of their upcoming productions."